Corvas Corax walked out of the Double-Edged Labyrinth and, on his way toward the gene-tech vault, quickly reviewed the battle reports.
Nineteen Raven Guard were dead, with another sixteen gravely wounded. The number was far lower than he had calculated.
The Custodes had lost two Warriors.
Corax recorded every one of their names. Their sacrifice would forge the Raven Guard's future.
When he reached the vault doors, he saw a set of doors as tall as he was.
There was no locking mechanism on them. Not only was there no rune touch screen, there was not even a keyhole.
Beside the doors stood four smoking wrecks. The advance force led by former Chief Librarian Balthasar Quturi had destroyed those turrets.
Raptor Commander Agapito Nev came before the primarch. "Melta Bombs?"
The Adeptus Mechanicus Biologis Magos Nixyn Olandriaz wore a broad red robe, its sleeves and hem painted with gear-shaped golden patterns.
His skin glowed with a strange green light, and the heavy chain hanging before his chest was stamped with the cog of Mars.
"My Servitors can cut a path through it."
Corax shook his head. "This is a Psychic Lock."
He looked at Balthasar. "Can you open it?"
Captain-General Arcatus barred the way before the doors. "Have you forgotten The Emperor's words?"
"Those who disregard my warnings and break faith with me are my enemies. Destruction shall fall upon them, and calamity upon all who follow and serve them, unto the ending of all things."
"The Edict of Nikaea." Corax nodded.
"I know very well what those words mean."
"Then you should understand that sorcery is forbidden. I will never allow sorcery to be unleashed on Terra." Arcatus raised his Guardian Spear and activated the Runic Runes on the Blade of the Spear.
On the weapons of the other